Virginia Born

Virginia is known for its diversity of natural wonders... from the Chesapeake Bay to the Shenandoah Mountains.  It has also been the birthplace of many amazing people.  This book explores people who gained fame but then used that fame to help others.  

Bill Bojangles Robinson was  one of the finest tap dancers who ever lived... but he was not the guy in the famous song.  Instead, he was a bigger than life entertainer who used his fame and wealth to help others in need.  Born in Richmond, he paid for traffic lights in his former home town when he heard that local children were in danger every time they crossed the street.

The name George Washington is certainly well known... and so is the story of him cutting down a cherry tree.  Unfortunately, that story is not true.  What is true is George was so popular he could have been the king of our new country... but he had other thoughts.  George wanted to be a part of a land where voters can make a difference... and we become a "more perfect union" every time people vote.

Liu Light's colorful images are combined with brand new photographs and rare images not seen for decades...  filling each page with pictures to draw readers deeper into the stories of these famous Virginians.

Others in this fast -paced book include Arthur Ashe who used his tennis skills to help free a nation.  Booker T. Washington walked across the state to get an education.  Once he graduated, he created a school to help others teach.  Pocahontas used her bravery and self-determination to create peace between Europe and her people.  Patsy Cline and Ella Fitzgerald struggled through their childhood to become legendary singers.